21 February 2011
February 21, 2011 – Lansing, MI – Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan has appointed members to the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) Advisory Council. The Advisory Council is charged with formulating the mission, vision, goals and strategic plan of MCAN.
"A high school diploma simply is not enough to complete in the 21st century economy. In order for Michigan to build and sustain a vibrant economy and strong communities, we must work together to ensure that every Michigan resident completes a college degree or valuable credential," said Flanagan. "With the leadership of the Advisory Council, MCAN will continue to lead Michigan's movement toward dramatic gains in educational attainment."
Currently, 35.6 percent of Michigan's 25 to 64 year olds possess at least an associate's degree, ranking Michigan 33rd among all states. Michigan's rate lags behind the national average of 38 percent. Despite once being the global leader in educational attainment, the United States now ranks 12th among economically developed countries. MCAN's goal is increase Michigan's postsecondary educational attainment rate to 60 percent by the year 2025.
The new advisory council has 13 members – with representation from K-12, higher education, youth-serving nonprofit organizations, government, business, and philanthropy. Members and their affiliations include:
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Caroline Altman Smith, Program Officer, The Kresge Foundation
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Sharlonda Buckman, Executive Director, Detroit Parent Network
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Laura Coleman, President, Bay de Noc College
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Jessica Cornwell, College Adviser, Battle Creek Central High School
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Dan DeGrow, Superintendent, St. Clair County RESA
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Greg Handel, Senior Director of Workforce Development, Detroit Regional Chamber
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Patrick O'Connor, College Counselor, The Roeper School
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Rudy Redmond, Manager of KCP Initiative, DELEG
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Diana Sieger, President, Grand Rapids Community Foundation
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Amy Smitter, Director of Institutional Development, Campus Compact
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Carmen Turner, President, Lansing Boys & Girls Club
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Willard Walker, Chairperson, The Imagine Fund
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Chuck Wilbur, Senior Policy Consultant, Public Policy Associates
As the leader in the state's college access movement, MCAN's mission is to dramatically increase Michigan's college participation and completion rates, particularly among low-income and first-generation college students of all ages. MCAN does this by employing a number of strategies including coordination, advocacy, and professional development. It also supports community-based college access initiatives through hands-on technical assistance and funding opportunities.
In addition, MCAN works to strengthen like-minded and mission-aligned partner initiatives such as Michigan Campus Compact, Michigan College Advising Corps, Promise Zones, and Achieving the Dream. It also supports two statewide college access initiatives: MichiganCAP, a one-stop-shop for students to plan, apply and pay for college at www.michigancap.org, and KnowHow2GOMichigan, a public awareness campaign designed to encourage and prepare low-income students and their families to take the necessary steps toward college (www.knowhow2gomichigan.org).
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About Michigan College Access Network
Established in 2009, MCAN is a Lansing-based nonprofit affiliated with The Imagine Fund. For more information, contact Brandy Johnson, director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.micollegeaccess.org. You can also find MCAN on Facebook at www.facebook.com/micollegeaccess.
 MCAN Advisory Council | [ ] |